Gust has announced new details regarding its PlayStation 2 simulation RPG Iris no Atelier - Eternal Mana. As previously reported, the title will allow for the mysterious creatures called Mana to be used to power actions on the field map, such as jumping over obstacles. Utilizing a Mana for such actions or alchemic fusion purposes however, decreases its physical strength. Along with compability, physical strength is the second of two parameters which determine a Mana's effectiveness. Luckily for the player, both are not static stats, but can be restored or increased, for instance by giving a Mana an item it likes.

Apart from Mana Synthesis, Iris no Atelier also offers players the classic Shop Synthesis system found in previous series' installments. Gust decided to merge the systems of the Gramnat installments with Lili no Atelier's system for Eternal Mana. A total of more than 300 different kinds of items can be created, and the number of item-related event scenes exceeds 400. Besides protagonist Krein Kiesling and heroine Ryta Blanchimont, the cast will include Popo, 13-year cat-eared old Norn, the excellent 18-year old fencer Arline and Maretta-Lixiss, a former member of the Arkavana Knights.

Iris no Atelier - Eternal Mana will be released in Japan on May 27th. The standard version will retail for 6,800 yen (64.01USD), whereas the limited edition carries a price tag of 9,800 yen (92.25USD).

• GameWatch

• Iris no Atelier - Eternal Mana Screens